Tuesday, December 11, 2018

A Look Back at the History of the All American Futurity


Under Randy Eastburg’s direction, his Flower Mound, Texas-based construction firm Valley Ridge Roofing and Construction increased its commercial contracts to more than 20 clients and over $7 million dollars in annual revenue in just eight years. Outside of his business ventures, Randy Eastburg has a strong interest in Quarter Horse racing. A former breeder himself, he was a frequent spectator at the All American Futurity, one of the most significant events in the horse racing world. 

Some of the most celebrated two-year-old Quarter Horses compete in the All American Futurity event held at the Ruidoso Downs race track in New Mexico. Held annually over Labor Day weekend, the race boasts the largest purse for all two-year-old horse events, reaching a peak of $3 million in 2015.

The All American Futurity has broken several other notable records over the course of its 60-year history. Its debut race in 1959 was the richest Quarter Horse race ever held. Nearly 20 years later, the All American Futurity purse hit the $1 million mark, the first horse race ever to do so. 

Numerous champion horses have competed and won the Futurity. A few outstanding examples are Higheaster Jet, the first of six horses to win both the Futurity and the All American Derby, and champion race horse Heartswideopen.

Saturday, December 8, 2018

Preparing Young Athletes for Competitive Sports




For nearly a decade, Randy Eastburg has managed operations for his multimillion dollar construction company, Valley Ridge Roofing and Construction. Beyond his professional accomplishments, Randy Eastburg supports his children's competitive athletic pursuits as both a coach and involved parent.

When young people engage in high-level competitive sports, parents and coaches would do well to follow the guidelines below to ensure their student athletes are mentally and physically prepared. 

Teach Focusing Strategies

Important games can bring a lot of expectations and stress to younger players. To help them manage their emotions, student athletes can learn cognitive behavioral techniques such as active thought management or realistic goal-setting.

Build up Skills

In order to compete at a higher level, athletes may need to improve their skills through drills and other intensive exercises. Parents can consider sending their child to a sports camp or hiring a personal coach to help their child build skills and confidence. 

Include Recuperation Time

Taking breaks between practice session is crucial for young athletes, who are still developing physically. Experts recommend at least one rest day a week so students can avoid injury or burnout.

Saturday, November 10, 2018

A Quick Look at the Top Golf Courses in Texas


For nearly a decade, Randy Eastburg has owned and led operations at Valley Ridge Roofing & Construction in Flower Mound, Texas. Beyond his activities at Valley Ridge, which range from meeting with commercial property owners to hiring and training employees, Randy Eastburg enjoys staying active by playing golf and taking part in various golf tournaments.

According to Golf Digest, Texas’ top golf course for the 2017-18 season can be found at Whispering Pines Golf Club in Trinity. Designed and constructed by Chet Williams and Corey Robertson in 2000, Whispering Pines is best known for its strategically designed bunkering and unique green contours. Furthermore, the final one-third of the course travels along Caney Creek, rife with gators, and scenic Lake Livingston. The course debuted on Golf Digest’s list of the best courses in America in 2013 at No. 75 and has since risen annually.

Whispering Pines, the No. 55-ranked course in the nation, overtook the Dallas National Golf Club as the state’s best-reviewed course. A Tom Fazio design, the No. 59-ranked course in the nation has made itself available to host future U.S. Opens, to the delight of Dallas area golf fans. Texas golf enthusiasts should also be sure to check out Bluejack National in Montgomery, which made its debut among the state’s best courses at No. 3.

Thursday, July 19, 2018

Harley Davidson Rental Service


Based in Flower Mound, Texas, Randy Eastburg owns Valley Ridge Roofing and Construction, which he has led since 2010. His responsibilities include hiring and training all employees, as well as overseeing their work. In his free time, Randy Eastburg enjoys riding Harley Davidson motorcycles. 

Harley Davidson has long been synonymous with quality motorcycles. However, not everyone is interested in owning a motorcycle. For this reason, the company offers rental services, ideal for those who want to experience the thrill of a motorcycle ride occasionally. 

The type of bikes available for rent depends on location but bike rentals also include half-shell helmets approved by the Department of Transportation and a cable lock and disc brake lock. Riders can also choose to rent jackets, and Harley Davidson recommends wearing gloves, boots, and denim or leather pants. Rentals include minimum liability insurance and most locations offer supplemental liability insurance and damage waiver. To rent a bike, the rider must be at least 21 years old and have a valid motorcycle class driver’s license and a credit card. 

This rental service is also a great way to try out several bikes before making the big decision to buy one. Look into renting a bike here: harley-davidson.com/us/en/rent-a-bike.html.

Sunday, June 17, 2018

Benefits of Participating in Youth Sports


After founding Valley Ridge Roofing and Construction in 2010, Randy Eastburg successfully expanded the business’s focus from residential roofing to commercial clients, and $7 million in construction projects in 2017. Besides his entrepreneurial accomplishments, Randy Eastburg is actively involved in local youth sports programs and has coached championship basketball and Little League teams. 

By participating in organized youth sports, children can develop a variety of positive social skills. Team sports help young people consider how their actions impact those around them and how to work with others to achieve common goals. 

Additionally, a child’s teammates can become close friends, providing a strong support system. Organized sports also often require that children follow a routine and commit to frequent practice sessions. This teaches responsibility and time management while also promoting tenacity. 

Lastly, as children develop their athletic abilities, they gain confidence and a sense of pride in their achievements. These positive characteristics help children perform better academically and later on in life.

Monday, June 11, 2018

Traditional Tuscan Dishes



Successful entrepreneur Randy Eastburg launched Valley Ridge Roofing and Construction in 2010, which currently generates over $7 million in revenue. Outside of his professional responsibilities, Randy Eastburg enjoys traveling with his family and immersing himself in the local culture. One of the most significant destinations for the Eastburgs is the central Italian region of Tuscany. 

The signature ingredients of Tuscan cuisine include locally-made olive oil and cheese, fish, and cured meats. In the Siena region, visitors can try the traditional pasta known as pici, which is made from a mixture of flour and water. Thick soups like pappa al pomodoro and pappardelle, made from tomatoes, wild meats like rabbit and boar, and bread, are very popular throughout Tuscany’s capital, Florence.

Paninis filled with salami or roasted pork called porchetta are often eaten as a snack or a light meal. Desserts, such as buccellato, a sweet bread, or cantucci, a cookie made with almonds, are often served with wines from Tuscany’s famous vineyards.

Wednesday, May 30, 2018

The Career of Rangers Veteran Third Baseman Adrian Beltre


The former owner of Cross Country Auto Sales, Randy Eastburg has been the owner of Valley Ridge Roofing and Construction since 2010, during which time he has generated more than $7 million in revenue. Outside of his professional pursuits, Randy Eastburg enjoys following his favorite Major League Baseball team, the Texas Rangers.

For the past eight seasons, third baseman Adrian Beltre has not only been the best player on the Rangers, he’s been one of the best players in the league. The 39-year-old joined the Rangers as a free agent in 2011 and finished the year with 32 home runs and 105 runs batted in (RBIs) while earning American League All-Star recognition and finishing 15th in MVP voting. 

As a member of the Rangers, Beltre also won his first of three Gold Gloves and two Silver Sluggers. He finished in the top 15 in MVP voting in each of the five seasons following 2011. In 2012, he finished third in MVP voting after a season in which he hit 36 home runs and recorded 102 RBIs.

Beltre has registered a batting average above .300 in five of the past seven seasons and owns a .314 average through 29 games in the 2018 season. Now in his 21st season, Beltre has 463 career home runs and 1,654 RBIs.

Tuesday, May 22, 2018

Stars Sign Prospect Jason Robertson to Entry-Level Deal


Randy Eastburg serves as the owner of Valley Ridge Roofing and Construction in Flower Mound, Texas. In his free time, Randy Eastburg enjoys attending Dallas Stars hockey games.

The Stars missed the National Hockey League (NHL) playoffs for the second consecutive season, but the team is already preparing for the upcoming year. On May 3, Dallas announced it had signed Jason Robertson to a three-year, entry-level contract. 

Drafted by the Stars in the second round of the 2017 NHL Draft, Robertson played in 68 games last season for the Kingston Frontenacs of the Ontario Hockey League and recorded a team-high 87 points. He also tied for sixth place in the league in goals (41) and seventh place in points (87).

An 18-year-old right-winger, Robertson recorded 200 points in 190 career games with the Frontenacs. He also scored 38 points in 31 career playoff games.

Sunday, May 13, 2018

Cowboys Select Leighton Vander Esch in First Round of 2018 NFL Draft



Randy Eastburg is the owner of Valley Ridge Roofing and Construction in Flower Mound, Texas, which has generated more than $7 million in sales since the company’s founding in 2010. An avid sports fan, Randy Eastburg counts the Dallas Cowboys as his favorite NFL team.

The 2018 NFL Draft was held in April, and the Cowboys used their first-round pick to select 6-foot-4, 240-pound linebacker Leighton Vander Esch, who spent the past three seasons at Boise State and recorded a combined 188 tackles, five quarterback sacks, four forced fumbles, and three interceptions. While one ESPN insider claimed Vander Esch has the potential to be one of the best zone linebackers in the draft, Sports Illustrated was less kind in its analysis of the pick, as writer Andy Benoit gave it a grade of “C." Acknowledging that Vander Esch could be a perfect replacement for the aging Sean Lee, Benoit felt the Cowboys could have used the first-round pick to improve the team’s wide receiver depth. 

Dallas had eight other picks in the seven-round draft and did use two picks on wide receivers. The team selected Michael Gallup from Colorado State as its 17th pick in the third round and Cedrick Wilson, Vander Esch's teammate at Boise State, as its 34th pick in the sixth round.

Saturday, April 21, 2018

The Lampredotto Panino - A Staple Tuscan Street Food for Centuries


Wednesday, March 28, 2018

The Village of Bolgheri in Tuscany


Randy Eastburg is the owner of Valley Ridge Roofing and Construction in Flower Mound, Texas. Away from his professional responsibilities, Randy Eastburg enjoys travel and has spent time in Tuscany.

A region in central Italy, Tuscany has a rich history stretching back to ancient times. Famous for its art, wine, and olive groves, Tuscany is the birthplace of the Renaissance movement, the revival of the classical influence in art. Tourists flock to the Tuscany region throughout the summer months to tour architectural landmarks, experience the Tuscan countryside, and sample local wines.

The small village of Bolgheri, located approximately six miles from the sea, is a charming example of Tuscan life, culture, and cuisine. The village’s only entrance is lined with ancient cypresses that inspired a famous poem by Carducci, entitled In Front of San Guido. 

At the end of Cypress Avenue, visitors find themselves in front of the Castle of Bolgheri, a fortification that has been owned by the Gherardesca family since the year 1200. One of the country’s most respected wine zones, the Bolgheri area is home to numerous estates that produce noteworthy wines.

Tuesday, March 20, 2018

Rangers Sign Cuban Prospect Juan Pablo Martinez


Randy Eastburg has presided over Valley Ridge Roofing and Construction since 2010, during which time he has helped the Texas-based company grow from 20 to 60 residential and commercial roofing contracts per month. An avid sports fan, Randy Eastburg counts the Texas Rangers as his favorite Major League Baseball (MLB) team. 

The Rangers had a relatively quiet offseason after missing out on the Shohei Otani sweepstakes, but the team recently made a splash by signing 21-year-old Cuban outfielder Juan Pablo Martinez to a contract that included a $2.8 million signing bonus. A recent defector from his native country, Martinez established residency in the United States in November and was granted free agency status by MLB on February 20. The New York Yankees and Miami Marlins were rumored to be in contention for his services, but the Rangers were favorites given it had more money available in its international bonus pool. 

Martinez recorded a .333 batting average to go along with 25 walks and 30 strikeouts in 264 plate appearances during his final season in Cuba. He also stole 24 bases on 29 attempts. Since being signed by the Rangers, he has been ranked as the team's third-best prospect as well as the 60th best on Baseball America's league-wide top-100 rankings.

Tuesday, March 13, 2018

Stars 2017 First-Round Pick Represents Finland in Olympics


Saturday, February 10, 2018

The Highest Rated Golf Courses in Texas


Experienced business leader Randy Eastburg has spent nearly a decade as the owner of Valley Ridge Roofing and Construction in Flower Mound, Texas. Randy Eastburg enjoys leading an active lifestyle. A few of his favorite activities include cycling, coaching youth sports, and playing golf.

According to Golf Digest, Whispering Pines Golf Club was rated the top golf course in the state for the 2017-2018 season. Up one spot from the 2016-2017 Golf Digest survey and ranked No. 55 in the United States, Whispering Pines is a 7,473-yard, par-72 course developed by Chet Williams and Corey Robertson in 2000. On the initial holes of this unique course, traditional bunkers and greens push through the scenic rough of Texas piney woods before opening out along Caney Creek and Lake Livingston for the course’s final six holes. In 2013, the course debuted on the Golf Digest list of the top 100 courses in the country at No. 75 and has steadily risen since.

Whispering Pines has overtaken Dallas National Golf Club as the state’s most popular course. Other highly ranked courses in Texas include Bluejack National in Montgomery, Dallas’s Preston Trail Golf Club, and Colonial Country Club in Fort Worth.

Saturday, January 27, 2018

Texas Rangers Take a Chance on Former Blue Jays All-Star


Randy Eastburg has owned Valley Ridge Roofing and Construction in Flower Mound, Texas, since 2010 and, during that time, has grown the company’s book of business from 20 to 60 residential roofing contracts per month. Outside of his professional endeavors, Randy Eastburg is a passionate fan of Major League Baseball's Texas Rangers.

The Rangers added to its pitching depth in early January by signing veteran right-handed reliever Steve Delabar to a minor league contract. While he isn't guaranteed a roster spot with the Rangers, he's more than deserving of an audition in spring training and will, at the very least, provide depth to the team's minor league team. However, if he can come close to replicating the performance and the numbers he put up during the 2013 season, when he captured a spot on the American League All Star team, he could become a valuable asset for the Rangers.

Delabar was named to the All-Star team that season as a member of the Toronto Blue Jays. Through 58 and two-third innings, the Kentucky native allowed 50 hits and struck out 82 batters, while recording a 3.22 earned-run average (ERA). He last played in the major leagues in 2016 with the Cincinnati Reds and posted a 6.75 ERA through eight innings pitched.